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The 2013 Nation’s Restaurant Association (NRA) show took place in Chicago, May 18-21, 2013. Food service operators were looking for ways to respond to changing consumer needs. Read on about the show’s top culinary trends that relate to health, wellness and nutrition.

1. Healthy kids’ food – In many areas new school nutritional guidelines are in effect. Manufactures reformulated products to meet new standards, including baked snacks using whole grains.
2. Hydration – water & iced tea. Zero-calorie enriched waters with added vitamins were shown, some available in concentrate. Waters with splashes of flavour, or unique origins were also showcased. Iced Tea is a growing beverage segment with added flavors.
3. Greek yogurt – has taken off with consumers and is now used as an ingredient in cheesecake, dips, and many other dishes that call for mayonnaise or sour cream.
4. Gluten free – was a popular claim on food labels and many exhibitors offered gluten free products.
5. Superfoods – Spice merchants shared healing qualities of cinnamon, turmeric and cayenne pepper; teas were flavored with blueberry, pomegranate and açaí, and seafood purveyors said there was renewed interest in herring, a fish high in omega-3 oils.

With files from Bret Thom. For more information visit Top 10 culinary trends at 2013 NRA Show